标签： Asia

Celebrating five decades of industrial innovation, the Al Dobowi Group has transformed from its 1976 origins in Middle Eastern tire management into a comprehensive global motion solutions provider. The UAE-based conglomerate now delivers integrated systems across tire management, power storage, industrial rubber, material handling, and fluid management sectors.

With operations spanning more than 10 countries and employing over 2,000 professionals, the group maintains manufacturing partnerships with Asia’s largest tire production facilities while utilizing proprietary equipment and in-house research capabilities. The company has achieved particular distinction as the MENA region’s largest battery manufacturer, supplying both automotive and industrial power solutions that support global economic activities.

Through its subsidiary Eternity Technologies, established in 2011 in Ras Al Khaimah, the group has emerged as a rapidly expanding force in industrial battery production. The company specializes in motive power batteries for electric forklifts and renewable energy storage systems, operating from advanced manufacturing facilities that incorporate sustainable practices.

Eternity Technologies’ product evolution includes the 2014 introduction of OPzV and OPzS batteries for standby power markets, followed by 2020’s expansion into 6V and 12V Gel Blocs for light traction applications. The company’s innovation milestone came in 2021 with the QUASAR series—Thin Tube Carbon Nano Motive Batteries engineered for demanding applications including airport ground support equipment, offering extended runtime, rapid charging, and superior cold-storage performance.

Currently distributing to over 100 countries, Eternity Technologies maintains manufacturing presence in the UAE complemented by partner operations in Germany, Spain, the United States, Chile, and South Africa. The company operates within a circular economy framework, incorporating over 80% recycled materials in manufacturing and producing products that achieve 99% recyclability rates.

The company’s commitment aligns with UAE’s sustainability objectives, providing reliable energy storage solutions while advancing renewable energy infrastructure and environmental stewardship through closed-loop manufacturing processes.

Gold markets witnessed an unprecedented milestone as prices catapulted beyond the $5,000 per ounce threshold for the first time in history, reaching an intraday peak of $5,085. This remarkable surge represents the continuation of a powerful rally that has captivated global investors seeking sanctuary from mounting geopolitical tensions and fiscal instability.

The precious metal’s spectacular ascent—registering a 17% gain year-to-date and more than doubling its value over the past 24 months—reflects what market specialists term the ‘debasement trade.’ This phenomenon describes the massive capital flight from sovereign bonds and traditional currencies toward hard assets perceived as more stable stores of value.

In the United Arab Emirates, retail markets immediately reflected the global trend with 24K gold trading at approximately Dh612 per gram and 22K at Dh566.75 per gram. These local prices underscore how international macroeconomic developments directly influence regional jewelry and investment markets.

The rally stems from multiple convergent factors: a substantial sell-off in Japanese government bonds, escalating public debt burdens across developed economies, and renewed policy uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve’s independence. Additionally, geopolitical flashpoints from Greenland to Venezuela and ongoing Middle Eastern tensions have further eroded investor confidence in conventional financial instruments.

Max Belmont, portfolio manager at First Eagle Investment Management, contextualized the movement: ‘Gold fundamentally represents the inverse of confidence. It serves as a critical hedge against unanticipated inflation spikes, unexpected market corrections, and sudden escalations in geopolitical risk.’

The precious metals rally extends beyond gold. Silver breached the $100 per ounce barrier and advanced over 4% in Monday trading, while platinum achieved record highs and palladium maintained elevated levels. This broad-based strength indicates robust demand across both industrial applications and wealth preservation strategies.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, observed that the flight to safety continues despite the absence of major new geopolitical headlines. ‘The surge past $5,000 clearly signals that risk appetite has not returned to markets,’ she noted, highlighting that recent U.S. tariff threats against Canada demonstrate how trade tensions persist beneath the surface.

Institutional participation has been particularly vigorous. Western exchange-traded funds have accumulated approximately 500 tonnes of gold since early 2025, while ultra-wealthy investors and family offices have emerged as significant players focused on generational wealth preservation.

Central banks, particularly in emerging markets, continue aggressive accumulation with Goldman Sachs estimating monthly official purchases averaging 60 tonnes—substantially above pre-2022 levels—as monetary authorities diversify away from paper currencies.

Financial institutions are revising forecasts upward. Union Bancaire Privée projects year-end targets near $5,200 per ounce, while Goldman Sachs recently elevated its December 2026 prediction to $5,400, citing persistent macro-policy risks and sustained demand for inflation hedges.

With market expectations building around potential Federal Reserve rate cuts under new leadership, gold’s appeal as a non-yielding diversifier remains potent. As one Dubai bullion trader summarized: ‘Many current geopolitical and fiscal uncertainties aren’t dissipating soon. Gold will likely remain relevant for months, if not years, despite periodic corrections following substantial gains.’

In a significant move to secure its technological supply chains, the United States government has acquired a minority stake in Oklahoma-based USA Rare Earth through a comprehensive $1.6 billion investment package. This strategic initiative, administered through the Commerce Department’s CHIPS program, represents the latest effort to reduce American dependence on foreign-sourced critical minerals essential for advanced technologies.

The investment structure comprises $277 million in direct federal funding coupled with a $1.3 billion senior secured loan. In exchange, the Commerce Department will receive 16.1 million shares of common stock and options to purchase an additional 17.6 million shares. The announcement triggered an immediate market response, with USA Rare Earth’s shares surging over 13% in pre-market trading.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the national security implications of the investment, stating: ‘USA Rare Earth’s heavy critical minerals project is essential to restoring U.S. critical mineral independence. This investment ensures our supply chains are resilient and no longer reliant on foreign nations.’

This investment occurs against the backdrop of China’s overwhelming dominance in the critical minerals sector, where it processes more than 90% of the world’s supply. This market control has provided China with substantial leverage in ongoing trade tensions with Washington.

The Trump administration has intensified efforts to build domestic capacity for critical minerals, identifying over-reliance on foreign sources as a national security vulnerability. The initiative includes developing a mine in Texas and establishing a magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma—components crucial for smartphones, electric vehicles, robotics, and military equipment.

This investment represents the third major government intervention in the sector recently, following a $400 million Pentagon investment in MP Materials and a $150 million loan to the same company. Additionally, a $1.4 billion partnership with rare earth startups Vulcan Elements and ReElement Technologies was announced in November.

Legislative support continues to grow, with a bipartisan group of lawmakers proposing a new agency funded with $2.5 billion to stimulate domestic production of rare earths and other critical minerals. The administration’s tax and spending cut legislation already includes $2 billion for Pentagon stockpiling of critical minerals and $5 billion through 2029 for supply chain investments.

Dubai prepares to host the 31st edition of Gulfood, the world’s premier food and beverage trade exhibition, from January 26-30, 2026. For the first time, the event will span two major venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre, bringing together over 8,500 exhibitors representing 195 countries. This expansive gathering serves as a critical international platform for identifying emerging market trends, forging strategic partnerships, and presenting premium food and beverage offerings to global industry stakeholders.

Cyprus will maintain a substantial presence at this year’s exhibition with National Pavilions at both venues, featuring 27 distinguished companies. These exhibitors will present a diverse assortment of high-quality Cypriot food products and beverages, highlighting the Mediterranean nation’s culinary excellence and manufacturing capabilities.

Visitors to the Cyprus Pavilion will discover an impressive array of products including world-renowned Halloumi cheese, fresh and organic dairy products, premium olive oils, bulgur wheat, frozen bakery goods, artisanal salt, specialty snacks, fruit juices, and various confectionery and processed food items. These offerings demonstrate Cyprus’s unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation within the global food sector.

The Cyprus Pavilions present an exceptional opportunity for buyers, distributors, and industry professionals to engage directly with Cypriot producers and explore potential business collaborations. Attendees can find Cypriot companies at Dubai World Trade Centre in Sheikh Rashid Hall (Dairy) and Za’abeel Hall 5 (Beverages), as well as at Dubai Exhibition Centre in South Hall 3 (World Food) and North Hall 12 (Fruits & Vegetables).

With its strong agricultural heritage and food production expertise, Cyprus continues to expand its international footprint while maintaining dedication to excellence. The country’s participation in Gulfood 2026 reinforces its position as a significant contributor to the global agri-food sector and provides a platform to showcase its unique culinary traditions to international markets.